These last six weeks has been a flurry of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit in Middlebury. As we step into spring, the energy around town is palpable, particularly on warmer days, and our work reflects the diverse and ever-evolving needs of our community. From supporting new retailers to advocating for public art, we’ve been keeping busy — and loving every minute of it.
Welcoming New Retailers & Supporting Growth
We’ve had the pleasure of helping new retailers find their footing here in Middlebury. From assisting them in finding suitable accommodation to helping them source staff, our goal has been to make their transition as smooth and welcoming as possible. Seeing fresh faces and businesses come to life in town is truly rewarding. Watch out for Toad Hall Flowers at the gateway of Marble Works ( Peter opens his doors officially on the 5th of April). One Day in July has secured the old Eli Parr space, and we anticipate a potential new retailer in the previous Chim Chimney Space. By July 2025, we will welcome Marble Trail into the Folklife space. We know that Republic of Vermont has been toying with the idea of a retail space in Middlebury. They currently have a pop up in The Old Stone Mill, and hosted a great Waffle Day on Sunday the 16th of March, which was very well attended!
Advising and Supporting Markets & Festivals
From offering advice to the Wednesday Farmers Market team, to holding discussions with the Middlebury New Film maker’s film festival, Pride, and the Middlebury Festival on the Green, our role as a connector and advocate continues to grow. We’re currently navigating new vendors for the upcoming pop-up series of summer markets and have recently engaged a dedicated summer market manager to keep things running smoothly this summer!
Meetings, Advocacy & Information Sharing
We’ve been attending varied meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, United Way of addison County, Middlebury College, Middlebury Town Offices, and Parks and Rec, all while fielding queries and suggestions from the general public. Acting as a bridge between retailers and the town means sharing vital information, advocating for businesses, and ensuring everyone feels heard and supported. Sometimes, this involves something as simple as a phone call, othertimes, it involves a more intricate approach. No day is the same, and we are certainly kept on our toes!
Bridging Communication & Enhancing Navigation
New signage for parking areas is a topic that’s been on everyone’s mind due to the closure of the Ilsley for the next 18 months. The town has worked hard to come up with alternative parking spaces. We’ve been actively thinking through solutions that will make the town more accessible for both visitors and locals. It’s a collaborative process, working with the town and various stakeholders to find the best approach. The Mill Street parking has been earmarked for some upgrades, so watch for some additions over the next few months.
Creative Campaigns & Event Planning
Collaborating with the design team at The Addison Independent, discussing advertising budgets for the next season, planning an advertising campaign, writing copy for social media, and applying for permits for various events this season has kept us focused. Our planned 3rd May pre Mother’s Day at the Sheldon Museum will be buzzing with vendors that morning, coinciding with the Frog Hollow Bike Sale and Middlebury Clean Up Day. We have asked Nick Bradice and Liz Reedy, two of our favorite local musicians to kick off the season for us.
Beautification Projects & Collaboration
This month, we met with Public Works, our seasonal town gardener, Kori, and Midd Parks and Rec to coordinate shared beautification projects. With spring around the corner, we’re thrilled to have purchased several hundred feet of spring-inspired bunting for Main Street, bringing vibrant color and joy to our downtown. Collectively, Middlebury Town is planning some beautiful planting and lighting for the Middlebury Town Offices end of town. We look forward to sharing more details as we get closer to implementation.
Grant Writing & Public Art Projects
Writing various grants for potential projects over the next year is always a significant part of our workload at this time of year. We’ve also meeting with local artists to discuss exciting public art projects — the creativity and talent in our community are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing some of the ideas come to fruition.
The Work Behind the Scenes
The work we do is varied and often behind the scenes. It’s about more than just organizing events or designing adverts; it’s about listening, connecting, and fostering a sense of unity. It’s about looking for creative solutions and leaning into the spirit of abundance during times of uncertainty. We feel privileged to play such a dynamic role within Middlebury. Finding flow in this work brings us immense joy and inspiration, and every new project is a chance to shape our community for the better. As spring continues to bloom, we’re excited to keep building, supporting, and celebrating all that makes Middlebury so special.
Stay tuned — there’s so much more to come.